10 Best Sandwiches from Around the World

From banh mi to a classic Cuban (with pickles!), cooks around the world know how to put together some pretty mouth-watering sandwiches.

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Banh Mi – Vietnam

Banh comes from the Vietnamese word for bread, and the super-soft rolls used help set them apart from a typical sub. Filled with delicious grilled pork and loaded with pickled veggies, cilantro, mayo and jalapenos, the banh mi is anything but boring.

Panini – Italy

Tired of grilled cheese? Upgrade to a panini! This hearty sandwich is usually ciabatta bread plus tons of Italian meats and cheeses, all pressed to perfection on a grill or panini maker (we love this one). They’re simple to make at home, using our most delizioso panini recipes.

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Shawarma – Middle East

Riffs on this delightful wrap are found throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. Greek gyros and Turkish doner kebabs share the same lineage with the shawarma. Grilled meat is cut off a spit and placed in a pita with tons of vegetables. It’s fresh and filling.

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Torta – Mexico

This is a Mexican classic you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can also eat your torta hot or cold, make it vegetarian-friendly or satisfy your inner carnivore. (This isn’t the only Mexican recipe we’re in love with–here’s the whole Top 10!)

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Vada Pav – India

Are you a vegetarian or opt for the occasional meat-free day? Try a vada pav. This Indian street food is made from fried potatoes well-seasoned with spice and popped in a bun with chutney and chilies. It’s an excellent way to reap the benefits of eating more spices.

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Arepa – Colombia/Venezuela

Arepas are stuffed corn “cakes” which make great after-school snacks or a light lunch. The arepas are sliced, grilled and served with a variety of fillings. Meat, chicken, cheese, egg…anything your heart desires, really. No wonder they’re so popular!

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Cuban Sandwich – Florida

With Cuban origins that date back hundreds of years, the modern-day incarnation of this glorious sandwich comes from Florida’s vibrant Cuban community. This is easily our favorite way to use leftover pork roast.

Need knockout finger food for an upcoming picnic or party? The Cuban has you covered!

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Bocadillo – Spain

Bocadillos are a type of tapas, those small-portion Spanish appetizers. Fill your bread with an omelet, tuna, chicken, chorizo, pork or cheese. It’s a simple affair and can be served hot or cold. Wash it down with a cool glass of sangria for the ultimate Spanish pick-me-up.

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Chip Butty – United Kingdom

The chip butty is a carb lover’s dream. Take one buttered roll and cram it full of thick-cut French fries (or chips, as our cousins across the Atlantic call them), dash on some malt vinegar, salt to taste and tuck in. It’s a staple in all fish and chip shops!

Camille Berry is a food and drinks writer who divides her time between her native San Francisco and the UK. Her work has appeared on Wine Folly, Vinepair, The Back Label, in Spirited Virginia Magazine, and many other websites and publications.

Part of the third generation in a family of restaurateurs, Camille was practically born with a passion for cooking and food. She embarked on a career in hospitality where she excelled as a sommelier and wine director at several of San Francisco's most well-loved restaurants. This hospitality experience has endowed her with a wealth of first-hand knowledge of various cuisines, how to pair all manner of drinks with food, and entertaining – plus some serious kitchen skills. She is both a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Wine Specialist through the Society of Wine Educators.